If a pregnant patient is 39 weeks along and has contractions 2 minutes apart, what should you prepare for?

In a situation where a pregnant patient is 39 weeks along and experiencing contractions that are consistently 2 minutes apart, the scenario is indicative of imminent delivery. At this stage of labor, contractions occurring at such close intervals suggest that the delivery is progressing quickly, and the baby is likely to be born very soon.

When considering this, it’s essential to be prepared for an on-scene delivery because there may not be enough time to transport the patient to a hospital. Understanding the birthing process and recognizing signs of impending delivery allow medical personnel to take necessary precautions and provide appropriate care. This includes making sure the environment is ready for delivery, ensuring the mother is in a safe position, and being prepared for any complications associated with childbirth.

The other options involve important aspects of care but do not align with the immediate need when contractions are that frequent in a full-term laboring patient. Protecting the airway and monitoring vital signs are standard practices but may not be the primary focus if delivery is imminent. Positioning the mother and starting transport may not leave sufficient time for intervention. Notifying dispatch for advanced life support (ALS) may be necessary in some cases, but if delivery is expected to occur right away, immediate preparation for that delivery takes precedence.